3.- In this same line, when a person is in danger of death, and can not express himself verbally for any reason (for example in a coma), he can be absolved of the sins in a conditional way. This means that absolution is conditional on the dispositions of the sick person or presumed to be conscious (Canon 976).
The absolution will be given ‘under condition’ when, if it were given absolute, the sacrament would be exposed to danger of nullity, and if it were denied, the salvation of the penitent would be exposed in grave danger. The priest will proceed in this way when in doubt that the person is alive or dead; if there is doubt about the use of reason (for example in the insane or in children); when it is doubted whether a prior absolute acquittal has been granted; etc..
